How to Increase Storage on Android TV – 20 Best Ways to Free Up & Expand Storage (2026 Guide)
Running out of storage on your Android TV? Seeing the "Storage Full" or "Insufficient Storage" message when installing apps or updates? Low storage is one of the most common reasons for slow performance, app crashes, buffering, and failed software updates.
Whether you own a Sony Bravia, TCL, Xiaomi Mi TV, Motorola TV, OnePlus TV, Nokia, Hisense, Toshiba, Vu, Acer, Kodak, Philips, Haier, or any Android TV or Google TV device, this guide explains how to free up internal storage and expand it safely using external devices.
Table of Contents
Why Does Android TV Run Out of Storage?
Your Android TV's storage can fill up because of:
- Too many installed apps and games
- Large app updates
- Streaming app cache
- Downloaded media files
- Offline video downloads
- Unused APK installation files
- System update packages
- Temporary app data
- Screensavers and wallpapers
- Limited built-in storage capacity
20 Ways to Increase Storage on Android TV
1. Clear App Cache
Cached files grow over time and can consume hundreds of megabytes.
- Settings
- Apps
- Select an app
- Storage & Cache
- Clear Cache
2. Uninstall Unused Apps
Remove apps you no longer use to recover valuable storage space.
3. Delete Large Games
Games often occupy the most storage. Reinstall them later if needed.
4. Clear App Data
If an app uses excessive storage, clearing its data may significantly reduce space usage. Remember that this resets the app.
5. Delete Downloaded Files
Remove downloaded videos, APK files, screenshots, or documents you no longer need.
6. Remove Old APK Files
APK installation files are no longer needed after the app has been installed.
7. Use a USB Flash Drive
Many Android TVs support compatible USB drives for additional storage. Depending on your TV model, you may be able to use the drive for media files or adopt it as device storage.
8. Adopt USB Storage (If Supported)
Some Android TV models allow a compatible USB drive to be formatted as internal device storage.
9. Move Apps to USB Storage
If your TV supports adopted storage, certain apps may be moved to the USB drive to free internal storage.
10. Remove Offline Downloads
Delete offline movies or TV episodes stored by supported streaming apps if you no longer need them.
11. Update Apps Regularly
Newer app versions sometimes improve storage efficiency and fix issues related to excessive cache usage.
12. Delete Unnecessary Screensavers
Animated screensavers and downloaded visual content may consume storage over time.
13. Restart Your Android TV
Restarting can remove temporary files and complete cleanup tasks after updates.
14. Keep Free Space Available
Maintaining free storage helps Android TV install updates and run more smoothly.
15. Use Cloud Storage for Personal Files
Store photos and videos in cloud services rather than keeping them on your TV when possible.
16. Check Storage Usage
Open:
Settings → Storage
Review which apps or categories are using the most space.
17. Remove Unused User Profiles
If multiple user profiles are supported on your device, removing unused profiles may recover storage.
18. Install Only TV-Optimized Apps
Apps designed for Android TV typically use storage more efficiently and offer better performance.
19. Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If storage remains full because of persistent software issues, a factory reset restores the TV to its default state.
20. Choose Larger USB Storage
If your TV supports adopted storage, a larger, high-quality USB flash drive or external storage device can provide additional capacity for apps and media.
How to Use a USB Drive as Storage
- Insert a compatible USB drive into the TV.
- Open Settings → Storage.
- Select the USB device.
- If your TV supports it, choose to format it as device storage.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete setup.
How Much Storage Do Common Apps Use?
| App Type | Approximate Storage Usage |
|---|---|
| YouTube | 100–300 MB |
| Netflix | 150–400 MB |
| Prime Video | 150–500 MB |
| Disney+ | 200–500 MB |
| Games | 500 MB to several GB |
| System Updates | Varies by manufacturer |
Common Storage Mistakes
| Mistake | Result |
|---|---|
| Never Clearing Cache | Large temporary files accumulate |
| Keeping Unused Apps | Reduced available storage |
| Ignoring Storage Warnings | App crashes and failed updates |
| Using Low-Quality USB Drives | Reduced performance and reliability |
| Saving Large Files Internally | Storage fills quickly |
Monthly Storage Maintenance Checklist
- Clear cache for frequently used apps.
- Delete unused APK files.
- Remove apps you no longer use.
- Review storage usage.
- Update apps and firmware.
- Delete unnecessary downloads.
- Restart the TV regularly.
- Keep several gigabytes of free storage whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I increase Android TV storage?
Yes. Depending on your TV model, you can free internal storage by removing unnecessary files and, in some cases, expand storage with a compatible USB drive.
Will a USB drive speed up my Android TV?
A high-quality USB drive used as adopted storage may help if your TV supports it, but overall performance also depends on your TV's hardware.
Does clearing cache delete my apps?
No. Clearing cache removes temporary files only and does not uninstall your apps.
How much free storage should I keep?
Keeping a reasonable amount of free storage helps ensure smoother performance and successful app and system updates.
Can I move every app to USB storage?
No. Some system apps and certain third-party apps cannot be moved, even on TVs that support adopted storage.
Will a factory reset free storage?
Yes. A factory reset removes installed apps and user data, returning the TV to its original state and reclaiming storage used by those items.
Conclusion
If your Android TV reports low storage, begin by clearing app cache, deleting unused apps and files, and reviewing storage usage. If your TV supports it, adding a compatible USB drive as device storage can provide additional space for apps and media.
Regular maintenance, timely updates, and keeping sufficient free storage available will help your Android TV remain fast, stable, and ready for new apps and software updates.
